We are delighted to invite you to walk the prayer labyrinth which can be found in the church yard of St Michael and All Angels just near the archway. This is an initiative brought to you by Churches Together in Houghton and for each Saturday morning in July volunteers will be on hand to guide you. We are offering this as an opportunity to connect with God in a different way – why not give it a try? – children are welcome too. Let us know how  you found the experience!

What’s a Prayer Labyrinth?

You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy.  (Psalm 16.11)

A labyrinth consists of a single path that twists and curves and turns to a central point; from this central point the same path is followed to arrive at the entrance again.  There are no tricks to a labyrinth and it is impossible to ‘get lost’ in it or ‘go wrong’ on it.  The labyrinth pattern is found in almost every human civilization from prehistoric times to the present day and it is echoed in nature – it is a universal pattern which resonates in our subconscious as well as our conscious mind.

Labyrinths have been used in churches from AD400 and Chartres cathedral houses the most famous example, dating from 1194.  Walking the labyrinth can help us to reflect, pray, to listen to what God is saying to us. Its twisting pathway echoes the pattern of our thoughts and calms our physical selves so that we are able to explore more easily our spirituality and our relationship with God. There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth, just be open to whatever happens as you walk it.

We hope you will join us as we walk, but it is up to each individual to choose whether to walk the labyrinth or not; witnessing others walk is just as valid and experience and can be equally powerful.